The best group stage XI from the 2026 World Cup

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World Cup 2022 best goals

Featuring Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon, France

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Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde) 

Not a name or a nation expected to be anywhere near a team of any stage, but the small African Island have been one of the stories of the tournament - especially their goalkeeper. 

His performance against Spain in his country's opening game was the goalkeeping display of the round, where he pulled off seven stops to help his side to a famous goalless draw against one of the favourites.

Not content with just one shock, the 40-year-old was also instrumental in leading his team to an unlikely qualification from the group. Up next? Only Argentina and Lionel Messi. 

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Full-back: Joshua Kimmich (Germany) 

A solid opening phase from the German skipper, who continues to excel in whatever position he's deployed in for the national team. 

For all his defensive attributes at full-back, it was his attacking intent that was on display in Germany's opening as Kimmich helped himself to two assists in the 7-1 thrashing of Curacao.

As captain, the Bayern Munich man has some big German boots to fill, but he's made a really impressive start. 

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Full-back: Daniel Munoz (Colombia) 

The South Americans have gone quietly about their business so far and qualified without a fuss from their group, with the Crystal Palace man at the hub of wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo.

The Eagles' flying full-back scored in the opening 3-1 win over the Uzbeks, and then followed that up with a goal and a Player of the Match award in the second group game. 

A clean sheet off the bench against Portugal topped off a top trio of performances from Munoz. 

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Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (France) 

There's been a lot of talk about France's attack at the tournament, but they've also been pretty solid defensively, too, with Upamencano a standout. 

The Bayern Munich man kept the shackles on Nicolas Jackson against Senegal and has been a calm and composed member of Didier Deschamps backline. 

He was afforded the luxury of not having to deal with Erling Haaland, but will have his hands full against Sweden in the last 32. 

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Centre-back: Marc Guehi (England) 

Left out of England's line-up for the opener against Croatia, since coming back into the side, the Three Lions haven't conceded a goal. Conidence? 

It hasn't all been down to the Manchester City defender, but his recovery pace and defensive intelligence at the back are the best England have to offer. 

It seems unfathomable now that he won't play in all the remaining games for Thomas Tuchel. 

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Centre midfield: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

One of the best young players of the tournament so far, Bouaddi's performances have already seen him linked with several top clubs over a summer move. 

In game one, the teenager got the better of Brazil's experienced midfield to the point that Casemiro was removed at the break. 

Another assured display against Scotland has seen the stock rise in the Lille star. 

@BouaddiAyyoub

Centre midfield: Jude Bellingham (England)

Who else? Big players step up in big games and that's exactly what Jude has done. 

His driving second-half performance against Croatia was a major factor in England's win and it was the Real Madrid superstar who got the Three Lions out of trouble against Panama, too. 

A clutch player who's proving why there should have been no debate on his inclusion in the starting line-up.

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Attacking midfield: Michael Olise (France)

Olise has taken the form which saw him win the Bundesliga Player of the Season into the World Cup and just kept on going. 

The Frenchman has recorded three assists so far, and done it in the typical nonchalant way that's become his hallmark.

Of all the attackers France have, Olise could be the most dangerous. 

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Forward: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Are there any words left to write about football's GOAT? 

During the three group games, Messi has scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, became the first player to score in seven consecutive tournament games and became the competition's all-time leading goal-scorer. 

Not bad for a month's work, eh? 

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Forward: Erling Haaland (Norway) 

A first World Cup for the striking Viking and he didn't take long to make his mark in the only way he can - scoring goals. 

He was on the scoresheet within half an hour against Iraq, as he went on to net a brace in his team's opener and announced his arrival on the World Cup stage. 

Two more goals followed against Senegal, and there's no way Haaland is finished yet. 

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Forward: Kylian Mbappe (France) 

The World Cup is the Frenchman's playground, and he's revelling in being arguably the tournament's best player so far. 

Two goals against Senegal in the opener, another two against Iraq and then two assists in the victory over Norway have set Mbappe apart from nearly all the rest. 

Having already won a World Cup and a Golden Boot on his CV, could he add another or each by the end of the tournament? 

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